Nursing Elites

1. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What laboratory result should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. White blood cell count of 15,000.
• B. Blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL.
• C. Sodium level of 145 mEq/L.
• D. Serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL indicates the need for insulin to manage diabetic ketoacidosis.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is experiencing severe lethargy and cold intolerance. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Increase the dose of levothyroxine.
• B. Administer a PRN dose of antipyretic medication.
• C. Provide a warm blanket and increase the room temperature.
• D. Increase the client's fluid intake to avoid dehydration.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase the dose of levothyroxine. In hypothyroidism, the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like lethargy and cold intolerance. Increasing the dose of levothyroxine, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, helps correct the deficiency and alleviates the symptoms. Choice B, administering antipyretic medication, is incorrect as antipyretics are used to reduce fever, not treat hypothyroidism symptoms. Choice C, providing a warm blanket and increasing room temperature, may provide temporary comfort but does not address the underlying hormonal deficiency. Choice D, increasing fluid intake, is important for overall health but does not directly address the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

3. The nurse is performing a functional assessment for a client requiring nursing home care. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Question the client about the frequency of falls.
• B. Request the client to lie still during the assessment.
• C. Ask how often episodes of sundowning are experienced.
• D. Assist the client with values clarification about end-of-life care.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Question the client about the frequency of falls. In the elderly population, falls are a significant risk factor that can impact their functional abilities and safety. By assessing the frequency of falls, the nurse can identify potential risks and implement interventions to prevent future falls. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the primary focus of a functional assessment for nursing home care, which is to evaluate the client's functional status and identify areas that may require assistance or intervention.

4. At 42-weeks gestation, a client refuses induction and desires a natural delivery. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Discuss alternative ways to support her birth plan.
• B. Explain the indications for induction in post-term pregnancy.
• C. Discuss the differences between labor with oxytocin and natural labor.
• D. Ask the healthcare provider to discuss the issue with the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to discuss alternative ways to support her birth plan. It is crucial to respect the client's autonomy and desires while ensuring their safety and well-being. Choice B is incorrect because while educating the client about the indications for induction is important, it is not the most immediate action to take in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on comparing labor types rather than supporting the client's birth plan. Choice D is incorrect as the nurse should first engage with the client directly before involving the healthcare provider.

5. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What assessment finding suggests the medication dosage is too high?

• A. Increased sensitivity to cold.
• B. Increased heart rate and palpitations.
• C. Improved energy levels.
• D. Improved tolerance to heat.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased heart rate and palpitations. When a client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine, these symptoms may indicate that the dosage is too high, causing the client to develop hyperthyroidism. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased sensitivity to cold is a symptom of hypothyroidism, improved energy levels are an expected outcome of levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism, and improved tolerance to heat is not a common sign of levothyroxine overdose.

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